Charlotte Pediatric Dentist Applauds the Use of Fluoride Varnish

Fluoride varnish along with early oral care (brushing and flossing) help combat children’s tooth decay.

Even though baby teeth aren’t meant to last forever, taking good care of these little teeth provide small children with a strong foundation for life-long oral health. Statistics show that as many as 3 out of 4 preschoolers are not receiving routine dental care. The lack of early childhood dental care is so widespread that pediatric health experts are encouraging a discussion about dental health in the pediatrician’s office.

Thanks to improved communications between pediatricians and pediatric dentists, your primary care physician may now remind you to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist in Charlotte. The goal is to reduce the spread of tooth decay, and the pediatric community is embracing the use of fluoride varnish as a critical line of defense.

Visiting the dental office for a fluoride varnish treatment is an uncomplicated way to strengthen your child’s teeth against future cavities. However, fluoride must be applied to the teeth regularly for prolonged protection, and local water fluoridation simply isn’t enough. Studies have shown that a coating on fluoride varnish on a child’s teeth can help to prevent cavities, even in communities where the tap water is fluoridated.

The current statistics regarding childhood tooth decay is alarming: Nearly half of all children between the ages of 2 and 11 have baby teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. To fight the decay and lower the statistics, the American Dental Association recommends that children begin brushing with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste once the first tooth appears in the mouth. Brushing should be monitored each morning and at bedtime to prevent swallowing.

When used properly, and when regularly applied to the enamel, fluoride enables the teeth to become much more resistant to tooth decay. Fluoride varnish is especially effective since it coats all surfaces of the enamel and remains active on the teeth for several hours after it has been applied.

If your child is not already receiving regular fluoride varnish treatments, contact a pediatric dentist in Charlotte for an appointment.